Mother Russia (Volgagrad-Smolensk-Saratov-Moscow)

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Europe » Russia » South » Volgograd
August 2nd 2009

Saved: June 1st 2014

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Volgagrad

2 weeks Russia by car!
After the landing in Moscow the next goal was Smolensk, which turned out to be a dusty old city " the gates to Russia". Smolensk is a "hero city"(Gorod Geroj) because whenever someone attacks Russia wanting to conquer it, Smolensk is the first destination.

Afterwards we headed to Volgagrad from Moscow, 13 hours by car. On the highway the max. speed is 90 but of course everyone drives faster. Also the Police knows it and there is a police car hiding behind the trees sometimes every 5 km stopping you at every chance trying to rip off some cash. We got stopped twice on our way and from what I've heard it's nearly impossible to go Moscow-Volgagrad unstopped by the cops.
There are stories that they even set up their own signs just so you can break them and they get your cash..
In Volgagrad I stayed most of my time, swimming in the Volga every day. The water is partly clean party more like a swamp. It seems there is too much illegal fish-cathing and that makes the water dirty and stinky and neither the city nor the people clean it. Some parts are

inside the memorial

of Mamayev Kurgan, Volgagrad

cleaned and that's where we went to swim. 😉

At the end of our journey we headed to Saratov for a few days. The city was the most lively city full of young people and a lot of free time activities for the youth, so it looked pretty healthy compared to other russian towns where everyone is depressed.

The way back to Moscow was over 13 hours, 11 hours from Saratov to Moscow and 2 hours for 50 km on the MKAD(circle highway around the centre). It was nervewracking for us, but imagine how nervewracking it is for people who actually have to drive to work over MKAD every day. The traffic jam is said to be from 7:00-22:00..so the time when most people are awake.

Thanks to my relatives and family for this trip!

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